What will you or what have you done to save $$$ (?)

[Mrs. Len]

I am starting this thread to encourage any who may or may not even have purchased their land. This would be beneficial for any who are thinking about taking a class and building a log home, but are worried about the bottom line ($$$). Even if the building may be a few years or more in the future...

Frankly, we are each unique, and with that includes differing situations.

After Len and I mutually agreed to buy a property and build a log home, we took a huge leap of faith! Once we leaped, we didn't look back, but kept our eyes focused on the future. Everything has to be done one step at a time.

Buying the property? If you haven't bought one, yet, consider some the criteria our property met:

1- Property has a forest with trees suitable to build with
2- Excellent pure water that doesn't need filtered (good well production)
3- At least 5 acres (we bought 5.1)
4- Power to the property (ours even had RV hook-ups)
5- Inspected and re-certified septic (we can use ours for our log home)
6- Located rural to avoid CCR's, HOA's, and other restrictions
7- Located in proximity to what is important in our lives (hiking, camping, fishing...).
8- Distance to town reasonable (only 10 minutes for us, but mostly highway)
9- Quiet (surprisingly it is)

Since we put what we had into buying the property, everything has been done out of pocket. Because of this, we were determined to save as much $$$ as we could every step of the way. We decided to put out the word, to insure we wouldn't miss any opportunities to get bargains, barter, and even find free materials we could use. Nothing prepared us for what happened! Some of this story is a repeat, but it fits with this thread.

Since I had told my business associates, all our friends, and family, what we are doing? The following occurred:

1- I was texted by a business associate about a FREE 40 ft long truck box, was a refer unit, insulated, and interior is stainless steel! We were told we had to haul it away in 4 days in order to get it FREE. It was challenging to schedule it, but we did it. In order to live on the property, we needed to store our furniture and belongings.

2- Len's sister texted me a pic of her kitchen and asked if I would like one just like it for FREE (her neighbor is literally gutting her kitchen and remodeling it). They have identical kitchens. We are picking it up in less than two weeks...

3- Len was reading the paper, checking the ads like he always does. There he sees a FREE singlewide mobile. I phoned them and we drove straight over. The mobile had a tarp over a 12' wide hole, where the tip-out had been removed. We paid to have it delivered ($625, which included delivery, tax, licensing, and permit to move)

Len worked to add an addition to the mobile and we have moved into it. We were able to clear out enough of our furniture and belongings out of the truck box to allow room to store our FREE kitchen.

Now, once we had the property, we did move onto it right away.

1- Lived in a 19' travel trailer
2- Len began building a little Butt and Pass Utility Cabin (bartered welding work for lumber needed for forms)
3- I sold our travel trailer, so we could buy something a bit larger and more comfortable
4- We bought a 34' motorhome and were fairly comfortable
5- Now, we get the mobile home, so we moved into it, and are very comfortable!

Since our temporary home houses the washer, dryer, and the pressure tank, that little log cabin will now be a guest cabin. When Len finishes his work on the mobile addition, he will finish building the log cabin.

There are other ways we are saving money:

1- Driving a VW Jetta TDI (gets 45-49 mpg)
2- Doing as much of the work on our property as we can
3- Utilizing the help of friends and family, who have the skills needed.

Len's oldest son hung sheetrock for years. His middle son is a Crane Operator and will be doing all of our dirt work (we will just rent the equipment). We both have friends and family who will be helping us within their own skillsets/capacities.

Knowing we will need a lot of building materials, led us to begin that process, even though we haven't firmed up our plan or applied for a building permit.

1- We have a lot of very good double paned windows, some Euro-Pane (all were FREE)
2- I had bartered for large panels of tempered glass (some will be used for covered porch skylights and others for my greenhouse).
3- Years ago, we were given actual skylight windows. We kept them and will use them in our log home.
4- Len will continue to check the paper ads and I will check for what we need online (Craigslist and others)
5- I will be posting for what we need on Facebook and post ads on Craigslist
6- Regularly, I will browse for needed items at the best thrift I have found in town
7- We are prepared to buy used and re-use any materials possible

To save as much $$$ as possible, we are going to do almost all of the building ourselves, with some help from friends and family.

1- Len will be logging this Winter
2- We will take the LHBA Class in February
3- We will utilize all we learn and move forward (apply for a Building Permit)
4- Any skill we need, we will acquire

As for our current lifestyle, we will be heating with a wood stove (the one Len designed & built). Since we lived a more self-sufficient type of lifestyle on our last property, we will continue that.

How are you saving money?

[panderson03]

great thread Mrs Len!

one of the ways we're saving money is by doing as much of the work ourselves as we can!
we shop around for all of our materials to be sure we can get the best deal we can
we've been slowly collecting items for the interior of our cabin over the years (used but as good as new :))
another way we saved was by choosing property in a county with very few building permits or restrictions

as we build we're planning for the future to avoid costly recontruction later (we're building according to American Disabilities Act) since we know we'll be living there after we retire

we could have saved more money if we built using Block and Tackle instead of a tele. we'd have saved a LOT of money if we'd had the $$ to purchase a tele outright instead of renting

great thread. thanks for starting it!

we drive old cars; haven't bought a new one in years. hope to buy new ones (2) with cash in a few years when we're finished building

[Mrs. Len]

panderson03, good for you! Here is what we are doing as well:


as we build we're planning for the future to avoid costly recontruction later (we're building according to American Disabilities Act) since we know we'll be living there after we retire

I have taken this into account with our floor plan and Len has agreed to go with it. For us, it was simple compromise. He wanted our master bedroom in the loft, which initially is wonderful. I proposed a master on the main and in the loft. That insures we would never had to modify or move out of our log home!

Len used an old Dodge 1 ton truck, outfitted with a tall log boom he had built, to build his 3-story log home (30 years ago). A friend of his borrowed the log boom and did the same thing. Right now, Len has a shorter log boom he is using to build our little cabin. Since it will be a 1.5 story (with loft), he will be building another tall log boom to finish it (with an 8k winch). One of our neighbors has a piece of equipment Len would like to rent or buy use for building our log home. Since he told me there were numerous ways to get those logs up there, we will cross that bridge when we come to it. It is fortunate we have a few other neighbors with heavy equipment, too. Len ran his own small Welding/Machine Shop since 1999, but virtually closed it down when we moved. We bought a 40 foot shipping container (before we were given the truck box), which he has converted into a shop. Recently, he set up his welder so he could do some work (bartered welding work for the framing wood for our little cabin).

Besides the VW, we have an old 1987 Ford F250 diesel truck. It has seen better days, showing the evidence of being used for logging, etc... No new cars for us for the time being, either.

If my work slows down this Winter like it usually does (real estate), I may teach some classes related to self-sustaining tops, canning, dehydrating, gardening, etc...

I wanted to start this thread to encourage others who haven't taken the leap in purchasing property OR have and could use some tips to save money before they get to take an LHBA Class. Otherwise, some of the info could help those who have begun building. Saving money is a big part of being able to build out of pocket and become debt free!

[panderson03]

we're planning a master on the main floor and an 'in law apartment' on the lower level (with the walk out basement) with kitchens and laundry on both levels
so if we got to a point where we needed to be on teh same level as the utility closest we could move down to the lower level and be AOK!
since both the main and the basement would have separate entrances we could conceivbly rent out the upper part of the house and live in the lower if $$ got tight.

I bet your self-sustaining classes would really be popular!!

well our cars are brand new compared to your truck!
we have a 2001 malibu and a 1997 honda :)

[Mrs. Len]

we're planning a master on the main floor and an 'in law apartment' on the lower level (with the walk out basement) with kitchens and laundry on both levels
so if we got to a point where we needed to be on teh same level as the utility closest we could move down to the lower level and be AOK!
since both the main and the basement would have separate entrances we could conceivbly rent out the upper part of the house and live in the lower if $$ got tight.

I bet your self-sustaining classes would really be popular!!

well our cars are brand new compared to your truck!
we have a 2001 malibu and a 1997 honda :)

Sounds like you have a sound plan for the future in your log home, excellent proactive approach in your log home plans!

Yes, my self-sustaining classes were very popular and the last one, I was relaxed and "just myself." At the end of that class, everyone started clapping to my great surprise! That experience will alter my teaching mode for all future classes.

Our VW Jetta TDI is a 1998, at least, lol.

Once the wood stove is installed, Len will also mount our two steel clothes drying racks (we hang dried our clothing for 7 years). Since we have an efficient propane dryer, we will occasionally use it to fluff or dry sheets, blankets, and comforters). The savings of hang drying clothing adds up. We figured it saved us $600+ per year.

[spiralsands]

I read a book called the Alpha Strategy a few years ago. It is a book about economy but there is a chapter in it that many people have used as a reference for survivalist practice. It involves buying consumables that one can store as a hedge against inflation. The principle is that cash, either in hand or in the bank, is worth less every year with inflation. But material wealth, what you have, maintains its value and becomes more valuable over time. Just as an example, if you know that you consume a particular number of pairs of socks in 5 years, if you bought right now, on today's market, all the socks you will ever need, you will have saved X amount of future inflated dollars. The tricks are to accurately determine what you need and what will store well, to have a place to store your material wealth and not get robbed.

I've kept that principle in mind over the past few years which is why I have spent a considerable amount of time and money looking for both hand and power tools. I bought a used table saw off Craigslist about 2 years ago for about 50 bucks. I put a new blade on it last week and used it for the first time to build some jigs to help me raise sheathing alone. Tools will always be valuable. They are a great investment.

Saving money can also mean spending more money up front so you don't have to spend more later. When I was in college at the University of Arizona, one of my professors told me that it doesn't pay to buy cheap new stuff. High quality new stuff costs more but trying to save money by buying low quality only saves a few dollars and you're going to be buying it again and again. For example, if you buy cheap paintbrushes, they are only good for one or two uses before they begin ruining your painting job. Whereas a good paintbrush, when cleaned and cared for properly, can last for many years.

Another good example of this is buying gasoline for your equipment. I had to have 2 carburetor rebuilds, one on my brush hog and one my generator, because of the ethanol gas I left in it. Cost me a couple hundred to fix both in a shop. Now I a spend a little more money and buy pure gasoline to use in my power equipment and I haven't had any more problems.

P.S. The book Alpha Strategy is available for free online. I printed out and bound a copy for my 'library'.

[Mrs. Len]

Yes, spiralsands, we are and have been on that page for many years. When I was a child, I was taught to only buy quality, take excellent care of everything, and how to be highly resourceful. You are so right this mindset alone will save you big bucks in every aspect of your life! Proper maintenance is crucial. The link for "The ALPHA STRATEGY" is:

http://zombieprepdotnet.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/book2-preface.pdf

I plan to read it as it sounds interesting!

[Shark]

Dave Ramsey.... Read his book and follow it.

Craigslist... Must check every day if you want the smoking deals (kitchen cabinets, granite counters, sink, faucet etc, $1800).

We canceled cable, internet etc. It all adds up.

No eating out.

Do as much as you can yourself.

[Basil]

My father in law used to work in a factory. When they got new equipment it came in crates. The crates were broken down and employees had 24 hours to claim the parts. My father in law claimed them on every delivery, and some of the machines were the size of houses. I used the plywood to sheath the gable ends on my houses, build tree stand shooting boxes, sheath the roof on a barn. There were thousands of free hex screws which have been used in our barn and in our house. All my plywood concrete forms were built for free.

I built my porch railings entirely out of cedar that blew down in storms while i was building, all on my farm.

we used recycled kitchen cabinets, I never even told my wife about that. She never knew. Same goes for the vanities, sinks and mirrors in the children's bathrooms. We didn't spend $200 for these in both kid's baths.

[Mrs. Len]

Dave Ramsey.... Read his book and follow it.

Craigslist... Must check every day if you want the smoking deals (kitchen cabinets, granite counters, sink, faucet etc, $1800).

We canceled cable, internet etc. It all adds up.

No eating out.

Do as much as you can yourself.

Read Dave Ramsey, too, great suggestions!

No tv for us either, but I have to have internet for my job as a Realtor.

We eat out very seldom, too.

[Mrs. Len]

My father in law used to work in a factory. When they got new equipment it came in crates. The crates were broken down and employees had 24 hours to claim the parts. My father in law claimed them on every delivery, and some of the machines were the size of houses. I used the plywood to sheath the gable ends on my houses, build tree stand shooting boxes, sheath the roof on a barn. There were thousands of free hex screws which have been used in our barn and in our house. All my plywood concrete forms were built for free.

I built my porch railings entirely out of cedar that blew down in storms while i was building, all on my farm.

we used recycled kitchen cabinets, I never even told my wife about that. She never knew. Same goes for the vanities, sinks and mirrors in the children's bathrooms. We didn't spend $200 for these in both kid's baths.

Why you are the progeny of an extremely resourceful father, who must be proud! You sure saved a bundle on those railings & everything you bought recycled for your home.

[project]

I stumbled across Dave Ramsey years ago and have been living that way ever since.

[Mrs. Len]

I stumbled across Dave Ramsey years ago and have been living that way ever since.

Good for you, living fiscally has fantastic rewards once can realize now and especially in the outcome of the future!

Here is dinner...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10462440_10153184862714156_6751099597224634118_n.j pg?oh=a0248c3bbf786287afb8b3895f9cb36b&oe=54F6C639&__gda__=1424633229_9c00d2635d0968e1e06c0c9e2f7e41e 3

Here are the apples I picked off our trees before the rain:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10710888_10153184426794156_5990438606701701620_n.j pg?oh=0ddf1db2eaa2e0a8069f103b846ca192&oe=54AA2CB5&__gda__=1425309664_691c7af460d28f72f5bd5a63ead6f9b 2

Now what does this have to do with the thread topic? First, the dinner:

Chanterelle Mushrooms I picked (FREE)
Cinnamon Apples sauteed (FREE except for the cinnamon) - our own apple trees
Turkey Soup w/Kale, Spinach, Chard, Cabbage, and then I added the Chanterelles (this was a turkey soup I made/canned last year, so FREE base, veggies were purchased. Our meal was very inexpensive, a whopping $2.00! There is enough soup left for me to have lunch tomorrow.

The Apples are probably obvious. Good apples are rather expensive to buy. We are growing Gravenstein, King, and Liberty Apples. In addition, Asian Pears (3 kinds), Italian Plums, and Bartlett Pears. I make/can applesauce, apple slices (for pies/desserts/eat as is), and also dehydrate apples. I usually make Apple Butter, but this year, I'll be skipping that. I froze a lot of berries, so I'll be making jam for Len. Since I do a lot of canning (including meats) & also dehydrate, our food bill is very low.

[spiralsands]

I'm lucky, in a way, to be in Syracuse because every weekend downtown there is the Regional Market where many local farmers and food producers sell their products. I can get locally grown fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, honey and maple syrup there. In the supermarket, an acorn squash could sell for a dollar a pound and cost you 5 bucks but there it would sell for a total of only 2 dollars. One time I got a whole seedless watermelon for a buck because the guy didn't want to bring it home again.

[Mrs. Len]

I'm lucky, in a way, to be in Syracuse because every weekend downtown there is the Regional Market where many local farmers and food producers sell their products. I can get locally grown fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, honey and maple syrup there. In the supermarket, an acorn squash could sell for a dollar a pound and cost you 5 bucks but there it would sell for a total of only 2 dollars. One time I got a whole seedless watermelon for a buck because the guy didn't want to bring it home again.

Sounds like an excellent way to save money! Here, you can get reasonably priced locally grown produce, but to get the best deals on organic meats, you need to buy straight from a farmer.

[loghousenut]

I eat as much fruit as the next guy/gal (maybe more).


Has anyone else around here considered LHBA membership as a moneysaving device? Yeah, I know... I'm kinda preaching to the choir. Nonetheless, paying Skip Ellsworth to teach me a thing or two about life, log homes, mortgages, and living the good life was the best single investment (next to the Marriage License) that has ever left my wallet.

[Mrs. Len]

Has anyone else around here considered LHBA membership as a moneysaving device?

Yes, loghousenut, I sure do! One can choose to take the advice and follow the leadership examples or choose not to and spend a lot of $$$ building.

LHBA is much more than a non-profit teaching the Butt and Pass log building method. Once you take the class, you become the Member of a Community! While LHBA can post and teach Skips building technique and philosophy, it is up to us to implement all we learn in order to save money.

[jasonfromutah]

Great post Mrs. Len. Your post summarizes well, the mission of LHBA. I realized after taking the class, that is was much more than learning to build a log home.
It was also about learning to do with less, bartering, finding deals etc.

Although I got impatient towards the end and hired help to finish up, we still saved $$$ and will be debt free with our home before too long. Its nice not ever paying a bank interest.

A local kid (I call him a kid because he took my Drafting and Machining classes years ago), stopped by my build on Saturday. We were skinning and processing an antelope and he offered to help. We got talking about our build and I took him on a tour of the interior. As with others, he was shocked at how much room there was in the interior.

He is newly married with 2 or three children to support. I told him that he should build one. I said I did not have the ambition but he would do well. He said he had the ambition but no $$$. I am sure if he took the class and followed your advice, he would be able to do it. Heck, even if took 7 years he would be 32 years old. How many people in the U.S have a mortgage free home at 32? I would bet its less than 5% of the population!

He said he was interested in renting or buying mine. Its too hard to give up at this point. Maybe in the future, I will change my mind!

[Mrs. Len]

Great post Mrs. Len. Your post summarizes well, the mission of LHBA. I realized after taking the class, that is was much more than learning to build a log home.
It was also about learning to do with less, bartering, finding deals etc.

Thanks!

Although I got impatient towards the end and hired help to finish up, we still saved $$$ and will be debt free with our home before too long. Its nice not ever paying a bank interest.

You are a great example for those wanting to build a log home, considering a class! Yes, one can do almost all the work himself/herself OR hire help. The latter costs more, but every situation is different, so I am glad it worked out for you!

A local kid (I call him a kid because he took my Drafting and Machining classes years ago), stopped by my build on Saturday. We were skinning and processing an antelope and he offered to help. We got talking about our build and I took him on a tour of the interior. As with others, he was shocked at how much room there was in the interior.

My Len is an Industrial Machinist/Welder, but not into drafting. What size is your home? Pics, please!

He is newly married with 2 or three children to support. I told him that he should build one. I said I did not have the ambition but he would do well. He said he had the ambition but no $$$. I am sure if he took the class and followed your advice, he would be able to do it. Heck, even if took 7 years he would be 32 years old. How many people in the U.S have a mortgage free home at 32? I would bet its less than 5% of the population!

I have been talking to my daughter about buying property; she is 26. Within the next year, I think she and her husband will. As time allows, they can build. Meanwhile, work on paying off the property.

He said he was interested in renting or buying mine. Its too hard to give up at this point. Maybe in the future, I will change my mind!

I joke when I am in our log home, will only go out in a pine box... Preferably that occurs after many years enjoying it!

[DanBlue]

Nicely done Spiralsands...I have not read this book, but this topic is of great interest to me.

I have a client I'm close to and we speak often. He's a member of both the Federal Reserve Bank of NY and The Council on Foreign Relations..crazy right?? What is happening and what will continue to happen is the weakening of the dollar..it's not prices going up, it's the US dollar losing value. Once our Petro dollar deal with Saudi Arabia goes south (likely within the next couple of years) Americans are going to wake up really quickly to a new way of life..Lets just say my client has advised me well, and that's why I just recently dumped every penny I had into 8.6 acres of Land. Tangible assets people!

[Mrs. Len]

Here is the little log cabin Len is working on. It is meant to be a bit whimsical, so he isn't being all that particular. We have only spent money on the concrete and the rebar, as the logs came from trees on our property:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10155586_10153196020859156_1481899852551989728_n.j pg?oh=909472be3851aae7d25bbd8486bea345&oe=54DE5F0A&__gda__=1423814375_af4ff9d2b13015434ca51ced5ba4da3 c
This will be a 1.5 story (loft) and also have a front porch.

[DanBlue]

Here is the little log cabin Len is working on. It is meant to be a bit whimsical, so he isn't being all that particular. We have only spent money on the concrete and the rebar, as the logs came from trees on our property:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10155586_10153196020859156_1481899852551989728_n.j pg?oh=909472be3851aae7d25bbd8486bea345&oe=54DE5F0A&__gda__=1423814375_af4ff9d2b13015434ca51ced5ba4da3 c
This will be a 1.5 story (loft) and also have a front porch.

This is perfect! What size is this?

Thanks

[Mrs. Len]

13' X 16' with a covered front porch being added. The size was determined for our use, but I would recommend it to be 16' X 16' with a loft if you want to live in it, temporarily.

Here are pics of our FREE kitchen, the one we brought home today:

http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/attachments/countryside-families/39088d1414892662-closing-property-week-img_3951.jpg

http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/attachments/countryside-families/39089d1414892662-closing-property-week-img953950.jpg

We were given the uppers, lowers, back window, stove/oven, kitchen sink, and island. The tiles for the island were given to us, but the rest couldn't be salvaged.

[DanBlue]

13' X 16' with a covered front porch being added. The size was determined for our use, but I would recommend it to be 16' X 16' with a loft if you want to live in it, temporarily.

Here are pics of our FREE kitchen, the one we brought home today:

http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/attachments/countryside-families/39088d1414892662-closing-property-week-img_3951.jpg

http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/attachments/countryside-families/39089d1414892662-closing-property-week-img953950.jpg

We were given the uppers, lowers, back window, stove/oven, kitchen sink, and island. The tiles for the island were given to us, but the rest couldn't be salvaged.

We're thinking seriously about an 18x18 for seasonal use for the next several years, then building the main cabin within the next 10 years or so...perhaps collectively using the 18 x18 cabin for about 12 weeks out of the year..so stay at the cabin perhaps June-July or July-August then come back up and stay the month of October for deer hunting season.

What are your thoughts on this idea? I know 18 x 18 is small, but we won't be living there full time..not until we build the main big cabin years down the road.

Thanks!

[Mrs. Len]

We're thinking seriously about an 18x18 for seasonal use for the next several years, then building the main cabin within the next 10 years or so...perhaps collectively using the 18 x18 cabin for about 12 weeks out of the year..so stay at the cabin perhaps June-July or July-August then come back up and stay the month of October for deer hunting season.

What are your thoughts on this idea? I know 18 x 18 is small, but we won't be living there full time..not until we build the main big cabin years down the road.

Thanks!

An 18' X 18' with a loft, would work fine for temporary living. See link below for floorplan ideas:

https://www.google.com/search?q=tiny+home+plan+images+only&espv=2&biw=1282&bih=707&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=GqBVVInCMdXgoATPpoKQAg&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ

You can also get a feel for this size by checkout out RV's! By looking inside them in person, you will notice all the space saving ideas.

[Blondie]

I let my fingers do the walking this week to the log kits home side of things. I haven't been there in quite a while. I guess I needed some refreshing.

I started by looking at a 40x40 for a 1600 sq ft floor plan. I found that the kit folks want $120 to $150 per sq ft with out labor. Then I figured the same for a full basement, log walls, roof with aluminum. Chinking and insulation. I was quite extravagant with the kitchen and windows. I came up with something about $65 per sq ft. Not including labor in each home.

I can tell you upfront using the butt and pass method you will have a stronger better engineered home. The house will Not "crush"down on itself in ten years. The logs will wear better and retain their integrity longer.

Is there something that I have over looked?

Blondie

[loghousenut]

I let my fingers do the walking this week to the log kits home side of things. I haven't been there in quite a while. I guess I needed some refreshing.

I started by looking at a 40x40 for a 1600 sq ft floor plan. I found that the kit folks want $120 to $150 per sq ft with out labor. Then I figured the same for a full basement, log walls, roof with aluminum. Chinking and insulation. I was quite extravagant with the kitchen and windows. I came up with something about $65 per sq ft. Not including labor in each home.

I can tell you upfront using the butt and pass method you will have a stronger better engineered home. The house will Not "crush"down on itself in ten years. The logs will wear better and retain their integrity longer.

Is there something that I have over looked?

Blondie

I feel like you've overlooked something but I can't quite put my finger on it.


http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/212_zps80f70190.jpg (http://s157.photobucket.com/user/loghousenut/media/212_zps80f70190.jpg.html)


I don't know... maybe that kit house idea deserves a close look.

[ivanshayka]

This is way cheaper than buying slapped-together-cheaply at the box store. A shed this size range from $800 to $3000. The price of this, it's a $10/sf building, or $1000 total. Another $10/sf for furniture, and pretty finishing to make it livable. It's way cheaper for me to build any kind of building out of the logs than buying materials or any kits at the store.

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee382/ivanshayka/Log%20Home%20-%20Practice%20Shed/IMAG0612.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/ivanshayka/media/Log%20Home%20-%20Practice%20Shed/IMAG0612.jpg.html)

[Mrs. Len]

This is way cheaper than buying slapped-together-cheaply at the box store. A shed this size range from $800 to $3000. The price of this, it's a $10/sf building, or $1000 total. Another $10/sf for furniture, and pretty finishing to make it livable. It's way cheaper for me to build any kind of building out of the logs than buying materials or any kits at the store.

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee382/ivanshayka/Log%20Home%20-%20Practice%20Shed/IMAG0612.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/ivanshayka/media/Log%20Home%20-%20Practice%20Shed/IMAG0612.jpg.html)

Great job! I agree with you, too.

Recently, I saved money by picking mushrooms off our own property and then canned them. Not just a few, but 15#s of them! This resulted in 11 pints of Shaggy Parasol Mushrooms.

[Mrs. Len]

Tonight, I saved more money by canning up my own applesauce. Granted it was only 2 qts and 2 pints, I still have quite a few apples to process tomorrow.

My FREE score today was a 50" flat screen tv. It pays to open up and say something... My wonderful Boss has been spending thousands furnishing and adorning our little office "hub." He had hung up a 50" flat screen, which needed to be cleaned. I brought in a cleaning cloth, but noticed it was sparkling clean and commented about it. He grinned and asked me if I hadn't noticed it was a new tv?! "Great, but where is the other one?" He told me it was in his Escalade, so I asked him if he wanted to get rid of it. Seems that are some ports not working, but the speaker works fine, and I am great at working around electronic issues. If I can't get it to work with our surround sound (Len is hearing impaired), I'll call up my brilliant brother, who excels in fixing electronics. It will look rather big on the wall of our singlewide mobile, LOL. But you can't beat FREE!

[ivanshayka]

Recently, I saved money by picking mushrooms off our own property and then canned them. Not just a few, but 15#s of them! This resulted in 11 pints of Shaggy Parasol Mushrooms.

This year my parents picke about 200+ lbs of mushrooms, they grow in the fall time! I don't know the name. They canned boxes of quarts mason jars. And dried probably 2 5-gallon buckets. With a lot of work and just a bit of $, they have a lot of food.

Another thing my parents do is buy a pig at the farm, slaughter it there, chop it into 1/4, finish butchering it at home, comes out to be about $1/lb or less. They use most of the pig for something, rarely do they waste anything.

Another thing they do, is going to the farmer and pick up potatoes after the harvester did it's thing, not all the potatoes get picked up, the ones left over get picked up by my dad (dad loves to do this). The farmer charges less than $10 for a full pickup bed. Most of the time my parents store it in a cellar. Enough potatoes to last 6 mo for them and most of us kids (don't ask how many in our family, and almost all of us are married).

These are few things you can do to save good chunk of money. This applies to most things that we purchase on the daily basis. It is easier to save if you plan ahead and wait for a while to see that deal. At times when you need it NOW (and I'm talking about myself) there is very little room to play.

[loghousenut]

Am I the only one who found free rebar! I got a 3800 lb load from a bridge contractor (cost me a jug of Pendletons). I then got another good sized load when an outfit tore out a dam on the Rogue River about 4 miles from our place. That one cost me a case of beer but they loaded the rebar with their telehandler.

Skip said rebar is free. He was right.

[Mrs. Len]

Way cool, loghousenut! No free rebar here, yet, but hope we will get some too!

[Mrs. Len]

This year my parents picke about 200+ lbs of mushrooms, they grow in the fall time! I don't know the name. They canned boxes of quarts mason jars. And dried probably 2 5-gallon buckets. With a lot of work and just a bit of $, they have a lot of food.

Another thing my parents do is buy a pig at the farm, slaughter it there, chop it into 1/4, finish butchering it at home, comes out to be about $1/lb or less. They use most of the pig for something, rarely do they waste anything.

Another thing they do, is going to the farmer and pick up potatoes after the harvester did it's thing, not all the potatoes get picked up, the ones left over get picked up by my dad (dad loves to do this). The farmer charges less than $10 for a full pickup bed. Most of the time my parents store it in a cellar. Enough potatoes to last 6 mo for them and most of us kids (don't ask how many in our family, and almost all of us are married).

These are few things you can do to save good chunk of money. This applies to most things that we purchase on the daily basis. It is easier to save if you plan ahead and wait for a while to see that deal. At times when you need it NOW (and I'm talking about myself) there is very little room to play.

Your parents will have shrooms for years!!! We have raised pigs, but I am not supposed to eat pork. That is fine, as I am happy to eat everything else on my list. I thought of something else...

Does any one else cut their own hair? I have been doing this since I was 18. That must saved me a bundle over all these years!

[sdart]

Does any one else cut their own hair? I have been doing this since I was 18. That must saved me a bundle over all these years!
My husband trims my hair and I trim his. I haven't had my hair cut professionally since I was about 10!

[thoner7]

So how and where do u find this free rebar?

Concrete recycling plants?? The scrap yard??

[loghousenut]

One of mine from a highway bridge contractor and one from a contractor tearing out a dam. Big jobs always have too much rebar at the end of the job. 2 out of 6 of my attempts struck gold.

[TrishD]

I am looking at flooring options. What was recommended in class was 2 x 6 car decking and when I called for pricing today it seemed like a more expensive option than carpet and tile. For a 30 x 30 home, we would need 120 -16ft's. At $17.00 a piece that comes to approx. $2040, or $25 a sq. yd. Not cost effective from what I see... Is there something I'm missing here?

[loghousenut]

Some shopping around might whittle 25% off of that but you are in the ball park. It will make a reliable, good looking, noisy floor that is fairly easy to maintain. Looks nice from below if you are using it for your loft.

[TrishD]

Some shopping around might whittle 25% off of that but you are in the ball park. It will make a reliable, good looking, noisy floor that is fairly easy to maintain. Looks nice from below if you are using it for your loft.

Hmmmm... it makes my 400 sq.ft. of tile for $284 look pretty good!

[rckclmbr428]

I am looking at flooring options. What was recommended in class was 2 x 6 car decking and when I called for pricing today it seemed like a more expensive option than carpet and tile. For a 30 x 30 home, we would need 120 -16ft's. At $17.00 a piece that comes to approx. $2040, or $25 a sq. yd. Not cost effective from what I see... Is there something I'm missing here?

You're forgetting having to install subfloor and joists on 16" centers to support tile or carpet. Good subfloor isn't cheap

[spiralsands]

$25 a square yard is only $2.77 a square foot. Not bad for good flooring. I've bought both cheap and expensive tile for one house. Cheap tile wears poorly. Cracks easily and chips when you drop anything on it. Expensive tile...I've dropped my heavy clothes iron on it and never a chip. Some things shouldn't be scrimped on, in my opinion. Flooring, shoes and dental care are a few of those things.

[oldtrapper]

Agree, adding parachutes, fire extinguishers and brain surgery. ;-{>8

[loghousenut]

Some things shouldn't be scrimped on, in my opinion. Flooring, shoes and dental care are a few of those things.

Flooring, shoes, dental care, tires, and heart surgery!







I forget who he was but he was some stand-up comic from the old days, who said "Never let a cheap doctor do your heart surgery".

[rreidnauer]

I am looking at flooring options. What was recommended in class was 2 x 6 car decking and when I called for pricing today it seemed like a more expensive option than carpet and tile. For a 30 x 30 home, we would need 120 -16ft's. At $17.00 a piece that comes to approx. $2040, or $25 a sq. yd. Not cost effective from what I see... Is there something I'm missing here?Let's keep it an apples to apples comparison. 2x6 T&G is the whole floor with nothing more needed. Carpet or tile? What else is required? (subfloor underlayment, padding, cement-board, tile adhesive, grout, etc) Consider all aspects!

[ivanshayka]

My first floor is going to be hardwood 1 1/2 or 1 1/4 t and g. It will be milled by a local guy for $ .30 /bf. I will have to do a lot of t and g ing, drying, sending, and finishing. But I'm hoping to save few bucks.

[gumpond]

Almost free logs
Buying recycled windows, doors, electrical fixtures, plumbing fixtures, etc
Utilizing free or low cost labor.
Pay as I go.

[Mrs. Len]

Almost free logs
Buying recycled windows, doors, electrical fixtures, plumbing fixtures, etc
Utilizing free or low cost labor.
Pay as I go.

Good for you!

Right now, Len is finishing up on the mobile addition. It has gone more slowly, due to paying as we go, but it will likely take him about a week longer to finish it and install our wood stove (designed and built by Len).

Installing our wood stove will save us a LOT of $$$

[Little Eagle]

So i just found this post here and thought i might add one little thing i found just "lurking" (as LHN likes to call it) ;P the internet last night, i have found it is kinda likes cragslist but never hurts to have more then one source.

http://www.recycler.com/